US looks to unblock Strait of Hormuz with quiet version of Project Freedom
The US military is adopting a quieter approach to protect commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz following the abandonment of a more public plan. This new strategy involves advising shippers on navigation while avoiding direct confrontation with Iran. Recent military actions have included intercepting Iranian drones and providing support to vessels in the region.
- ▪The US military is coordinating with shippers to navigate the Strait of Hormuz without public confrontation with Iran.
- ▪Central Command has confirmed that while they are not escorting vessels, they are communicating with commercial ships for safe transit.
- ▪Recent military actions included shooting down Iranian drones and conducting strikes on Iranian military positions.
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US looks to unblock Strait of Hormuz with quiet version of Project FreedomSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxTwo shippers said previously they were in touch with the US military, which advised them on how best to navigate the waterway.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Jun 03, 2026, 11:12 AMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 11:12 AMWASHINGTON – A month after US President Donald Trump announced – and then abandoned – a plan to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the US military is trying less public ways of protecting vessels in the vital waterway.Rather than announcing an open challenge against Iran, the US is quietly coordinating with shippers willing to take a different approach.Evidence gleaned from US Central Command statements, shipping data and people with knowledge…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.